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88 posts
Shopping Pet Insurance Again Before Hank's RenewalOctober 7, 2026Hank's policy renews December 1. Why switching companies after a knee surgery is tricky, and the deductible change we're weighing.
Then and Now: Five Years With HankOctober 2, 2026October 2, 2021 to October 2, 2026. A skinny transport dog, a turkey twine scare, a rebuilt knee and the gray hairs on his chin now.
Fall Washing Day for Dog Beds, Blankets and the Crate CoverSeptember 28, 2026Once a year in late September every pet textile in the house gets washed. Our order of operations and the laundromat trick for the big bed.
Plain Pumpkin, Apples and the Fall Snacks Hank GetsSeptember 21, 2026Apple slices from the orchard, plain canned pumpkin and sweet potato chews. The fall snacks we share with Hank and the ones we skip.
When the Bloodwork Comes Back a Little OffSeptember 14, 2026Mabel's yearly senior panel showed one kidney value just above normal. What our vet said, the recheck plan and where insurance fits in.
Worn Out and Replaced: The Dog Gear That Didn't LastSeptember 3, 2026A chewed leash, a bed that went flat and a harness with frayed straps. What wore out in our house this year and what we bought instead.
What Goes in Our Cat Sitter BinderAugust 31, 2026Feeding amounts, the litter routine, hiding spots, vet info and the one line I always underline. The binder we leave for Mabel's sitter.
Before Company Comes: Chasing Dog Smell Out of an Old HouseAugust 24, 2026Old plaster, a washable rug and a dog who loves the lake. Our clean-up list before guests arrive and the one fix that worked best.
Garden Zucchini and Carrots: Dog Treats We Freeze in AugustAugust 18, 2026Our raised beds overproduce every August. Shredded zucchini, carrot coins and a little plain yogurt, frozen in silicone molds for Hank.
Adding Up Hank's Knee Surgery, Seven Months LaterAugust 10, 2026Exam, consult, surgery, rehab, recheck and supplies: $8,237 in total, $6,653.70 back from insurance and what we covered ourselves.
Late Summer Swims on a Rebuilt KneeAugust 3, 2026Swimming was part of Hank's comeback plan. Our August lake days, the life jacket rule and how we kept him from overdoing it.
Performance Fabric Sofa, Three Years In With a Dog and a CatJuly 27, 2026We bought the gray sofa in 2023 for $1,150. Claws, drool, muddy paws and a lot of naps later, here is how the fabric has held up.